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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

1 Feb 2017

If you enjoy having a warm, cozy and leak-free home, a secure and solid roof is essential. There are times when it’s hard to know exactly when it’s time for a roof replacement, so in this blog post we’ll list a few signs that’s it’s time for a new roof.

The Roof Is Over 20 Years Old

If your roof is, say, 40 years old, and you’re noticing that it has become susceptible to a growing list of issues, one of the main factors can be wear and tear caused by old age. Throughout the years, your roof has taken substantial punishment from harsh weather, which causes it to weaken and degrade. When your roof is old and weak, it can cause a variety of problem for the rest of your home. If you believe that your roof is starting to creep up in age, it might be time to consider replacing it.

The Shingles Are Curling

Curling shingles are a sign of an older, worn-out roof. They can curl upwards and downwards, and they can curl in the middle and on the edges. The curling is often caused by water damage of some kind, and it can cause shingle breakage, leaving your property vulnerable to leaks and other problems. Once shingles start to curl, they either need to be individually replaced with new shingles, or the entire roof needs to be replaced.

You’re Missing Entire Shingles

If you notice that you’re missing entire shingles, you have two options: individually replace the missing shingles, or replace the entire roofing structure. The problem with only replacing the individual shingles is that it can detract from the overall appearance of the roof because it can be hard to find individual shingles that match the color, thickness and texture of the surrounding shingles. Replacing the individual shingles also may not address any underlying issues with your roofing structure. In many cases, it may be better to simply replace the entire roof.

The Shingles Are Cracked

Cracked shingles can be caused by wind and storm damage. In some cases, you may only need to replace a few shingles. However, if there is a widespread problem of cracked shingles across your roof, you may need to replace the entire structure.

There Are Granules in the Gutter

Granules help to block a roof’s surface from the sunlight. If you find that these granules are appearing in your gutters, it can be a major problem—especially if your roof is older. If you find granules in the gutter, but your roof is new, it may be because those are excess granules that have simply fallen off. However, an older roof with its granules in the gutters can mean that your roof has started to age and deteriorate. If this is the case, you should definitely consider a complete roof replacement.

Your Roof Is Leaking

A leaking roof can be caused by several things, but if it’s left unattended, it can create major problems for the rest of your property. A leaking roof can ruin the integrity of your ceilings, walls and floors, and it can create hazardous mold and mildew. If your roof is leaking, you should contact a professional roofing contractor like Mountain West Roofing to inspect the underlying cause of the leak.